How pollen might make clouds

Michigan Engineering

May 1, 2015

Michigan engineers were able to see that when pollen breaks down it can indeed produce particles that are small enough to seed cloud growth. | Short Read

Pollen has been largely ignored by atmospheric scientists who study aerosols – particles suspended in the air that scatter light and heat and play a role in cloud formation. The grains were thought to be too large to be important in the climate system, too large to form clouds or interact with radiation. However, Michigan engineers weren’t convinced. After conducting a lab study in conjunction with Texas A&M they were able to see that when pollen breaks down it can indeed produce particles that are small enough to seed cloud growth. Wind-carried capsules of genetic material might have an effect on the planet’s climate, and they highlight a new link between plants and the atmosphere.

Particles suspended in the air that scatter light and heat and play a role in cloud formation